[SOLVED] How to get FOUR versions of Windows 7 x64 from one DVD

I have learned through some investigation that is is possible to get all FOUR versions of Windows 7 x64 OS from ONE DVD!

Here's how to do it:

1. Find a copy of PowerISO and install it on your computer.

2. Download a copy of any Windows 7 x64 OS ISO image or use the original DVD from Microsoft to make an ISO image with PowerISO to your hard drive.

3. Open up PowerISO and use the "Open" option on the menu bar to open up the ISO image file you saved.

4. Browse to the "sources" folder and then find the "ei.cfg" file. Right-click on it and delete it. (If you want to, you can open this file with NOTEPAD and see that all it does is specify which version of Windows 7 to auto install.)

5. Then use the "Save" option in PowerISO and save to the original ISO image.

6. Burn this "altered" ISO image to a DVD at 4X speed using PowerISO or ImgBurn.

7. Now when you use this DVD to install the Windows 7 OS, you'll see in the "Install" window a list of FOUR options to install. They are as follows:
A. Home Basic x64
B. Home Premium x64
C. Professional x64
D. Ultimate x64

Pretty cool, huh? You will still need a GENUINE MS PRODUCT KEY to activate the install though. But we all know that everyone here has that already... right?
These are full and genuine installs, they will update and pass the MS Validation Check also.

Now you can also do the same with the x86 ISO image too. (32bit version) Here's what you'll get with changing that ISO:
A. Home Starter x86
B. Home Basic x86
C. Home Premium x86
D. Professional x86
E. Ultimate x86

I hope y'all will enjoy this little tutorial of mine. Believe me, it works!

NOTE: If you don't have PowerISO, this will also work with UltraISO too!

So, basically what Microsoft has done is use one install DVD for all the different versions of the OS and then use the "ei.cfg" file to lock the install to whatever version is paid for.

I was always under the impression that the key that came with your Windows product was version specific. For example, my husband had XP Pro on his computer and needed to reinstall. For some odd reason his disc wouldnt read properly so we threw in my XP (non-pro) disc. When it came time to enter the key it wouldn't take properly because he used an XP Pro key for an XP install....

So I'm basically a bit surprised that any valid key will work for any windows 7 version

My question is ... is it legal ?

It is, Draceena. The only point of issue is that the same key can activate both 64 or 32Bit.
The hack posted is well publicised on the web, and even by Microsoft Technet. It matters not to MS, as the hacker will still need the correct key for the edition he has obtained. It is only of use if you would like to install and test the other versions for 30 days.

" You will still need a GENUINE MS PRODUCT KEY to activate the install though. But we all know that everyone here has that already... right?"

Presumably, if members have a genuine key for one of the releases, apart from my comment above, they would have no real reason to apply the hack?

From my experience dealing with TechNet downloads, it is the licence number that determines which variant to install.
Even updating from Professional to Ultimate required a valid Ultimate licence number!
The one licence number will validate either a 32 or 64 bit installation since legal purchases come with both anyway!

This hack would appear not to be of any use to those with genuine licence numbers!

I have a Windows 7 Home Premium, legal copy, but it appears it is 64 bit. I need the 32 bit version. Is it on this disk somewhere? I have XP Pro running on my machine now?

Is there someone here with an answer? Thanks.

With my purchased Win 7 Professional there are two disks in the pack. A 32bit one and a 64 bit one!
Was yours not similar?

Geoff,

I have Home Premium---not Windows 7 Pro.

Yes. I paid for it.

7thDwarf

Yes I know. I can read!

It was my understanding that all versions came with 2 disks!

One disk. And, may I add, I am glad you can read!